Introducing High Fives September 2020 Empowerment Grant recipients
High Fives is very proud to introduce everyone to these new Athletes that we will be supporting through their recovery and onto whatever goals and adventures that they can dream off.
Recovery and progression of one’s mind and body is a never-ending pursuit. These Athletes realize that setting goals and improving themselves is incredibly important. After one goal or adventure is complete you know that that goal is possible and find ways to become better with the experience and skill created.
High Fives believes that these 9 new Athletes embody our values and will represent High Fives in amazing ways, and we cannot wait to see what they are able to accomplish.
September 2020 Empowerment Grant Recipients
Ben Rodes | T12
Salt Lake City, UT
Ben’s injury occurred while repelling rock climbing. As a veteran climber for 12+ years, this accident came as quite a shock. Ben made a silly mistake of not tying a simple knot and ended up falling 35’ to his back, resulting in a T11/12 spinal cord injury.
“Nothing truly great is achieved with marginal effort”
Hammerhead MTB $2,000
Ethan Krueger | T6
Surrey, BC, Canada
In July 2010, Ethan was mountain biking with friends on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia at a dirt jump park. After an hour or so, he was increasing in confidence and decided to do a bigger jump. He overshot the landing and suffered a complete T8/9 SCI.
“Fake it ‘till you make it”
SPINERGY WHEELS $995
Jen Chaillie | C6/7
Tempe, AZ
In 2011, Jen dove into a pool without depth markers and drowned. She was underwater for about 3 minutes before being pulled out and given CPR. This accident also resulted in a cervical spinal cord injury. Jen says, “despite losing my ability to walk, I still have an amazing life. There is nothing I can’t do; I just have to do it differently.”
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”
VESCO METAL CRAFT RUGBY CHAIR $2,000
Matthew Woeck |Complex Regional Pain Disorder
Truckee, CA
While snowboarding at Sugar Bowl on Christmas day, Matt crashed into a tree. It was the end of the day, lifts had just shut down, but still, Matt called for help as loud as he could. Thankfully, an employee found him. He had boken 11 bones at the same time and was subsequently diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) causing chronic nerve and body pain.
“In every adversity there is an equivalency to benefit” – Evil Knievel
ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT E-ASSIST MTB $2,000
Nathan Carey | T12
Anchorage, AK
In 2008, while working for a construction company, Nathan sustained a spinal cord injury. An unbalanced shipping crate fell off of a forklift and landed on top of him. This resulted in a T12 SCI.
“Choose your attitude”
TOP END INVACARE FORCE 3 HANDCYCLE $2,000
Nicholas “Rocky” Beaty | C4
South Lake Tahoe, CA
As a competitive gymnast and acrobat, Rocky favored the trampoline. He began practicing at just 8 years old and never stopped. While coaching an inversions class, Rocky slightly hesitated on a skill, throwing off his momentum, consequently landing upside down and breaking his neck.
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity” -Albert Einstein
TOP END INVACARE FORCE RX HANDCYCLE $2,000
Olivia Rey | C4
Whistler, BC, Canada
Olivia was involved in a car accident three and a half years ago. She lost control driving through a torrential downpour when her car flipped over the median. This accident resulted in a C5/6 spinal cord injury.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi
NORDIC SIT SKI $2,000
Samuel Audenino | T6/7
Newbury Park, CA
While mountain biking at Snow Summit bike park in Big Bear California, Sam decided to go off of a hip jump that he had never seen before. He had too much speed and went over the handlebars mid-air and landed face first. This crash resulted in Sam shattering his T6 and T7 vertebrae.
“You cannot control everything that happens to you; you can only control the way you respond to what happens. In your response is your power”
BOWHEAD REACH MTB $2,000
Sean Kent | T6/7
Reno,NV
As an avid skier, mountain biker, and local Tahoe guy, Sean always had a bit of an aversion to motorsports. With a full spine and neck protector, helmet, and gear, he decided to mosey around on a friend’s bike. Unfortunately, he crashed, resulting in a T6/7 spinal cord injury.
“The sun is a daily reminder that we too can rise again from the darkness, that we too can shine our own light.” –S. Ajna
MASSAGE, ACUPUNCTURE, PHYSICAL THERAPY, PERSONAL TRAINING $2000
Wufky Crosby | C4
Reno,NV
Wufky was in the Desert east of Carson City, NV playing and riding around. He rolled the car he was in and the roof collapsed into him, resulting in a T3 incomplete spinal cord injury.
“Just gonna send it” – Larry Enticer
DYNACCESS HYDRA MONOSKI $8,420
These new West Coast Athletes will be welcomed to the High Fives Ohana by previous Athletes and September Grant recipients
Bill Travers | SCI
Chico, CA
“GO PANTHERS!” WELL, THAT’S WHAT I SAY TO THE TEAM. FOR ME TO LIVE BY . . . “WHATEVER YOU CAN DO OR DREAM YOU CAN, BEGIN IT. BOLDNESS HAS GENIUS, POWER, AND MAGIC IN IT.”
ReActive Adaptations Nuke Handcylce $2,000